Beware these expired fridge items: Hidden health hazards

The refrigerator is where most of our daily food items are stored, yet it's easy to let them spoil. Expired products may seem harmless but can pose significant health threats.

Storing food in the refrigerator is a basic method to ensure freshness, but not every product has the same shelf life. Particularly dangerous are the following expired products:

1. Mayonnaise - This is one of the most common products that can lead to health problems after its expiration date. Since mayonnaise contains raw eggs, it can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Once opened, mayonnaise should be stored in the refrigerator, and its shelf life is usually around two months. If the mayonnaise starts to emit an unpleasant odor or has a changed consistency, it's best to discard it.
2. Creamy salad dressings - Ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese dressings contain dairy ingredients that spoil quickly. If you notice that the dressing has a strange smell, is separating, or has a rancid taste, be sure to remove it from the refrigerator. Remember, creamy dressings can be safe for about 1-2 months after opening if stored properly.
3. Pickles and fermented cucumbers - Although fermented products have a long shelf life, they can still spoil, especially if their brine changes color or emits an unpleasant odor. Pickles, when stored in proper conditions (in a cool refrigerator), can last for several months. However, if their appearance or taste changes, it's better to throw them away.
4. Vinegar-based sauces - Products like mustard can last a long time (up to 2-3 years), but it's best to use them within a year of opening. Changes in color, taste, and consistency may indicate that the sauce has become less palatable or is starting to spoil.
5. Sweet sauces (ketchup, BBQ sauce) - Due to their high sugar content, which acts as a preservative, these types of sauces can last up to a year after opening if stored properly. However, if you notice the ingredients separating, or a change in color or smell, it's better not to use them.

While expired products can pose a risk, there are many ways to extend the freshness of food items in the refrigerator.

1. Proper storage in the refrigerator - The key to a longer shelf life for food products is proper storage. It's advisable to keep only those products in the refrigerator that require it and store the rest in a dry and cool place.
2. Avoiding contact with contaminated utensils - Pay attention to how you use food products. Using dirty utensils can introduce bacteria. To prevent this, it's best to use clean spoons and knives and not introduce various items into jars that may introduce bacteria.
3. Freezing products - If you're unsure whether a product will last until its expiration date, it's a good idea to freeze it. Many products, such as cold cuts, cheeses, or ready meals, can be stored in the freezer for an extended period, allowing for their later use without the risk of spoiling.
4. Temperature control - Ensure the temperature in your refrigerator does not exceed 40°F. If it's higher, food spoils much faster. Extremely low temperatures can also be detrimental to some products, especially those sensitive to freezing, like fruits, vegetables, or certain types of cheese.
5. Cleaning packaging and refrigerator walls - Regularly cleaning the inside of the refrigerator helps maintain proper conditions for stored products. Using well-sealed containers protects food from contamination and prevents unpleasant odors from spreading. It's also beneficial to periodically clean the shelves to avoid bacterial growth.
6. Checking expiration dates - Even if there are no visible signs of spoilage, it's worthwhile to regularly check the expiration dates of products in the refrigerator. It's also crucial to remember that after opening, some products, like mayonnaise, sauces, or dressings, may have a shorter shelf life, so checking them more frequently is advised.